banjonut wrote:
I drove around Lake Tahoe last August, 2017. Photo opps were not as plentiful as I had hoped for. Lots of construction, so many parking spots were either closed off or filled with construction vehicles and equipment. I hope you have better luck.
Tahoe @ 6,000+ feet elevation suffers from the same highway syndrome as the mid west. Two seasons, Winter and Road Repair.
However as a former resident of the area, there are a great number of photo opportunities just off the road that encircles the Lake. However, since the area is heavily treed, they aren't obviously apparent to the driver negotiating the narrow road.
I suggest getting a guide book and a map and plotting some stops. From State Line take the Tram up Heavenly Mountain and you've got the World Class Panorama--hard to beat. Be SURE to take your tripod. Then travel North to Zephyr Cove NV where you might catch the Tahoe Belle Paddle Wheel boat at anchor. Also there is a park with beach access, meaning unobstructed views. Further North you'll go through a tunnel and on the shore there are beaches and large boulders in the lake at Sand Harbor near Incline Village NV. These are iconic foreground elements showing off the clarity and color and the majestic south facing views of the West Shore and the Lake. Just up the Mount rose Hwy a mile (toward Reno) is an overlook that will give a different elevated perspective of the similar south facing views of the lake. There are several views available (just off the road) in Incline. Hungry?? About now, go for a drink and lunch at the Incline Hilton's Lakeside restaurant, beach and pier. Unobstructed and unfettered access. Budget alternative. Drink there and find TJ's Grill for the BEST Tri Tip or Chicken sandwich, Tostada etc. Walk to the end of their street and voila, the Lake again. Drive up any street to your right and you will get more elevated views. And I've just covered 1/2 of the Lake.
More opportunities, unfortunately or FORTUNATELY requiring getting off the road, out of the car and walking a bit, in Crystal Bay NV, King's Beach,CA (Gar Wood's Restaurant with their own pier and "Wet Woody" cocktail) with public beaches and Piers, Tahoe City (Sunnyside) Tahoma, and around to Emerald Bay and then back to South Lake Tahoe. In the middle of Emerald Bay is Vikingsholm which is a replica of a Nordic castle. The Camp Richardson Park on the SW corner of the lake is near Fallen Leaf Lake, Angora lake and there's a lakeside restaurant with a HUGE deck easy to take many photos including boats.
The theme here is that this is one of the most photographed natural beauties in the World. AND the most photographed and painted. There are many Public beaches and lakeside restaurants with obstructed Lake views. Orient yourself, leave the driving to someone else or delegate the navigation because it is a 2 lane local road. And perhaps designate a driver since the stops may be a little heavy of drinking--or not.
Also, in South Lake Hornblower Cruises has cruises to Emerald Bay. A MUST do. And you'll get the up close view of Vikingsholm and the spectacularly clear water and beaches of Emerald bay (guess what color it is?)
Have fun and if you're before Memorial Day, check to be sure the road around Emerald Bay is open and clear of snow. We're having some late weather this year, so be sure to check. There is a steep portion with switchbacks that Mother Nature refuses to recognize and fills them in every year, just like she built that hill in the first place.
There are a few pull outs and view overlooks, that some folks miss. But the Lake shore is largely privately owned and the Environmental Establishment (Google TARPA) makes improvements, especially to the road, impossible. The clarity of the Lake is the beneficiary. If you take your time this could well be the best vacation you ever took.
PM me for any details,
C